Local News – Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
A fire destroyed the firehouse for the Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department early Tuesday morning after being called in at 5:45. Fire Departments from Winona, Ellington, Summersville and Timber assisted the Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department in fighting the fire. After the fire was extinguished, Eminence Fire Chief Jim Bay reported the fire department lost three pumpers, a tanker and three brush units and all the equipment. The original firehouse and the newer section of the firehouse that was built about six years ago was a total loss. Investigators have not released what caused the fire. The fire station will take up temporary quarters at a County Fuels building. Chief Bay said many surrounding districts as well as the Missouri Department of Conservation are helping and will assist the firefighters on area calls until they can recover. Other fire departments are loaning the district equipment and Ellington has offered to loan them a ladder truck. Chief Bay said the good thing was no one was injured from the fire.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced the top ten most common consumer complaints handled by his office in 2023. Advocates in the Complaint Unit of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) take reports and work to mediate complaints between consumers and businesses or individuals. When mediation efforts are unsuccessful, the AGO’s investigators will look into alleged fraud and attorneys will file lawsuits or charges when applicable. The AGO’s Consumer Protection Division obtained $32,177,058.47 in judgments/settlements for the State of Missouri, recovered $12,653,836.14 in restitution for Missouri citizens, and handled 59,822 consumer complaints and inquiries in 2023. The number 1 top form of complaints submitted to the AGO in 2023 was ‘No Call’ complaints. This typically deals with illegal telemarketing calls and No-Call violations. Number 2 was numerous complaints from consumers regarding automobiles, automotive dealers, and automotive repair shops. Real Estate and Construction were number 3 where complaints involved home repair contractors. Fourth was Retail/Wholesale complaints. Most of the complaints regarding retail and wholesale companies dealt with purchases made through the internet, telephone, or mail, and involved late deliveries or products that were never delivered. Coming in 5th was financial complaints typically involving foreclosures, debt collection, loan servicing, and other products, services, and practices by banks, mortgage companies, debt collectors or other financial institutions. Attorney General Bailey said to report fraud or deception, visit the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.mo.gov or call 800-392-8222.
The Salem FFA Alumni will be holding their 14th Annual Scholarship Fund Labor & Dessert Auction this Friday at the Smith Valley Angus Event Barn. The no charge meal will be provided starting at 5:30 with the auction to follow at 6:30. Students from the Salem FFA Chapter will be providing labor in increments of 4, 6 or 8 hours, which will include various services such as farm labor, wood cutting, hay hauling, babysitting, cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. Plus, there will be an abundance of homemade pies, cakes, and other desserts that will be auctioned off. For 2024 there will be a new activity. The Salem FFA Chapter and FFA Alumni Chapter are working to create a basket of donated items and gift certificates from local businesses and individuals. Tickets will be sold prior to the event and during the auction. The winner will be drawn at the end of the auction Friday night and they will receive the basket full of goodies and items. All proceeds go to the Salem FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund. For information please call 573-739-2016 or 573-729-6641, Extension 5164. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Healthy Dent County has announced the lineup for the fun community event called the “Non-Newlywed Game” Show. This will be the 6th year Healthy Dent County has held this fundraiser and you won’t want to miss this event as it is “couple vs. couple” in this hilarious version of the classic game show. You will discover just how much our couples know (or don’t know!) about their spouse! This fundraising event will be held next Friday, April 12th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 6:30 PM. The four local married couples who have been selected to play the game are: Tom and Traci Wulff, Matt and Rachel Moncrief, Jon and Danielle Roos and Luke and Hannah Heithold. These couples have graciously volunteered their time to play this fun game and entertain the audience. VIP sponsored tables can be reserved with a $300 donation. The VIP Tables includes reserved seating for eight people as well as numerous table refreshments. A concession stand and cash bar will be open during the evening. A limited number of individual tickets will be sold for $25 per ticket. The individual tickets will not have reserved seating. Lei’s will be sold throughout the night to support your favorite couple. This event sells out every year with tickets not being available at the door so get your tickets now by calling 729-8163 or stopping by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. The actual event will begin at 6:30 PM and the doors will open at 5:30 PM. Business sponsorship’s are also available that will get you a table for eight as well as your name posted on the big screen at the event center, and being recognized on social media as well.